How good is good?

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1

Many believe the bible contradicts itself. One such example is the issue of good works. Matthew 5:16 instructs us to let our light shine so that men can see our good works.
A chapter later, Christ warns us against seeking public recognition. So, what is it? Do good for people to see or do good in secret?

Excuse me. That isn’t a contradiction. When people
are in need, Christ’s followers are taught to step up to the plate and help out. Christ’s followers are not told to share their personal efforts publicly. We should be helping for the sake of being helpful. We should not be helping in order to
post the most pictures on Facebook or tell the greatest number of stories of how we helped.

A true servant doesn’t need the publicity. In fact, Christ shied away from secular attention.
Because of His good works, the crowd’s followed Him. He never sought public recognition.

Hurricane Harvey is certainly bringing out the good, the bad, and the ugly in people. As a
seasoned Christian, I encourage my brothers and sisters to ask themselves: What is my motive? If we are posting pictures on Facebook calling attention to our efforts, I’m not convinced a reward awaits us in Heaven. If we are performing good deeds regardless
of who is watching, the bible assures us that He takes notice.

My suspicion, as a seasoned Christian, is we already know the intention of our own heart. If we are stepping up to the plate
from a Christ-centered leading in order to help out, our light is shining. If we step out in order to fill an emotional need in ourselves, we are tooting our own horn. Want to assess your motive? Read the entire teaching found in Matthew 5:16.